Every plant starts as a tiny seed. A seed has a baby plant inside and a small food supply. When the seed gets water and warmth, it begins to grow. This is called germination.
First, a small root grows down into the soil. Then a tiny shoot grows up toward the sunlight. This little shoot is called a sprout. The sprout unfurls its first small leaves. Now it is a seedling.
The seedling keeps growing taller and stronger. It adds more leaves. Its stem gets thicker. Eventually, it becomes a mature plant. A mature plant can make flowers and seeds. Those seeds can fall to the ground and start the whole cycle again!
1. What two things does a seed need to start growing?
2. What is germination?
3. What grows first from a seed: the root or the shoot?
4. What is the difference between a sprout and a seedling?
Write a definition or draw a picture for each word.
Number each stage from 1 (first) to 6 (last).
| Order | Stage | Draw a Picture |
|---|---|---|
| A small seed sits in the soil | ||
| A mature plant with flowers | ||
| A root grows down | ||
| A sprout grows up | ||
| A seedling with leaves | ||
| The plant makes seeds |
1. A seed has a baby plant inside it.
2. The shoot grows before the root.
3. Germination means the seed starts to grow.
4. A seedling is bigger than a mature plant.
5. Seeds need water and warmth to grow.
6. The life cycle starts over when new seeds are made.
Seed
Sprout
Seedling
Mature Plant
Flowers
Seeds
Word Bank: seed water germination sprout seedling mature
1. Every plant starts as a tiny ____________________.
2. A seed needs ____________________ and warmth to grow.
3. When a seed starts to grow, it is called ____________________.
4. The first thing to grow up is a tiny ____________________.
5. A ____________________ has small leaves and is still growing.
6. A ____________________ plant is full grown and can make flowers.
Look around your home or yard. Find plants at different stages!
| Stage | Where did you find it? | Describe it |
|---|---|---|
| A seed | ||
| A sprout or seedling | ||
| A mature plant | ||
| A flower or seed pod |
Coming Wednesday: We will plant seeds in cups and watch them grow! Bring some dirt and a seed to class.
Think about it: How many days do you think it takes for a seed to sprout?
Write your guess and why: